What is our mission?

Our mission is to facilitate access to health care for all, with a focus on the needs of the un- and underinsured.

We strive to provide access to health care based on need, not on ability to pay, where the talent and generosity of our community come together via a variety of Ithaca Health Alliance programs.

Who do we serve?

The Ithaca Health Alliance serves everyone:

We serve the un- and underinsured through our Free Clinic services and healthcare grants,

We provide health education and information resources free to all, and

We serve our community by promoting wellness, healthy living, and health affirming projects.

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What kind of community health projects do we conduct?

The Ithaca Health Alliance conducts two major projects: Ithaca Free Clinic (IFC), and the Ithaca Health Fund. The Ithaca Free Clinic is a completely free, integrative medical center located in Ithaca, NY. The Ithaca Health Fund is a medical assistance program that provides grants for specific medical, dental, and holistic expenses for income-eligible patients from the Free Clinic. Other projects focus on health education and include our quarterly newsletter, free lectures by medical professionals and community members, as well as tabling and canvassing events.

Is the Ithaca Health Alliance an insurance provider?

No. The Ithaca Health Alliance is a nonprofit community health organization. Our programs inform community members about health choices and help people to access healthcare services by offering them for free or by making grants that help with the costs of health care. The Health Alliance does not provide insurance coverage.

How do I apply for a grant from the Ithaca Health Fund?

We try to keep the application process simple. Low- to moderate-income patients who require services will need to provide common information about their household income and assets. Bills from the healthcare provider are then sent to the Health Alliance and reviewed according to Health Fund grant categories and financial qualification standards. Please note: This program is funded only by community support. Please donate to help us continue and expand this service.

When is the next Health Alliance educational program?

We schedule educational events as need and opportunities arise. You can check the online calendar or contact us to be added to the mailing list for news about events.

When is the Ithaca Free Clinic open?

We are open for walk-in medical visits on Mondays from 2-6pm, Thursdays 4-7pm, and we provide therapeutic services, including Occupational Therapy and pre-employment physicals by appointment on Tuesdays from 3-7. You can find us at 521 West Seneca Street in Ithaca, NY.

What is integrative medicine?

Integrative medicine combines the strengths of different healing practices to provide a range of health services that promote best outcomes for each patient. Through conventional (“allopathic”) and holistic health therapies, many different health problems can be improved. Ithaca Free Clinic was the first medically integrated Free Clinic in the United States, and it remains one of few Free Clinics that provide these services to uninsured / underinsured people who cannot afford the luxury of visits to multiple providers.

How are Ithaca Health Alliance programs funded?

As with many charities, we get our funding from a variety of sources. The Ithaca Health Fund is completely funded by community donations, and is a uniquely cooperative model of healthcare cost assistance. The original Health Alliance members funded the creation of Ithaca Free Clinic through 9 years worth of savings, but today the IFC and our other projects are supported by donations from the community and competitive grants from various foundations.

How can I support the work of the Health Alliance?

Anyone can support our work to facilitate access to health care for all in many ways. You can volunteer for one of our projects or committees. You can send financial contributions to us using the “Donate” button on the left of this page, or mail a check to us at Ithaca Health Alliance, PO Box 362, Ithaca, NY 14851. You can also spread the word: tell friends, neighbors, and others about the work we do, how we can help with their uninsured health needs, and how they, too, can support our efforts!